This chapter begins the book’s ‘final great vision’ which spans the remaining 9 chapters. This first installment is a vision of Jerusalem and a new temple, where Ezekiel is guided by an angelic being who measures the temple buildings and their surroundings.
“In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south… there was a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring reed in his hand. And he was standing in the gateway. And the man said to me, ‘Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.’ And behold, there was a wall all around the outside of the temple area…” (v2-5 abr)
There is much debate among scholars as to how these 9 chapters should be interpreted. There are four main viewpoints, which are extremely summarized in this list:
– “Literal Prophetic” : this is a physical temple that was to be rebuilt by post-exile Jews
– “Symbolic Christian” : like the metaphor of God’s people being a living building, the temple here represents a spiritual structure, not a physical building
– “Dispensationalist” : this is prophecy of a ‘millennial kingdom temple’ that will will be built for Jesus’ thousand year reign on earth (set to happen between the tribulation and the ‘Great White Throne Judgement of the wicked’)
– “Apocalyptic” : this is a vision of symbolism and fantasy of a coming age that builds upon pagan myths and legends to appeal to the target audience
Though scripture doesn’t specify with absolute certainty which of these four views is most accurate, I’m personally leaning toward “dispensationalist”, because there are some strong scriptural evidences this will be Jesus’ ‘millennial kingdom temple’.
Regardless what view you take, there is one thing for certain: God wants to be in resolute relationship with us. This is the entire point of a physical temple, and our bodies being living temples of the Holy Spirit: being present with us.
Father God, our Steadfast Provider and Ever-Present Lord, we praise Your holy name. Thank you for Your resolute presence with each of us individually, and communally. May we rally for Your compassionate causes, serve each other as if we’re serving You directly, and bring glory to our Righteous God in Heaven. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training